A number of medical problems can be solved if we understand the link between balanced diet and good health. Various studies have proved that consumption of fruits and vegetables can result in good health. A person’s mood may also be affected by what he or she eats. Adding greens to one’s diet is likely to keep one feel better physically and emotionally. Thus, what we eat determines how we feel.

On an average, an American eats just three servings of fruits and vegetables a day (if you don’t count potatoes which are otherwise a rich source of carbohydrates). However, dietary guidelines demand a person to consume on an average five to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

A balanced diet also has a positive impact on the mental well-being of both men and women. Experts believe mental well-being is a sign of good health, wherein the body functions well with feel-good hormones. A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can also help improve digestive health, reduce inflammation, and protect against high cholesterol and hypertension. A balanced diet produces positivity and optimism, which in turn boosts mental health.

A study, published on thebmj.com, has revealed that consuming five portions of fruits and vegetables in a day lowers the risk of death. However, yet another study, seven portions of fruit and vegetable-rich diet a day may keep you healthier.

In a study, researchers used the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) to assess people’s mental well-being. It involved a group of 14,000 participants aged 16 or over

The study reports that 33.5 percent of respondents with high mental well-being ate five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Dr. Saverio Stranges, M.D., Ph.D., the lead author of the study, said, “The data suggest that higher an individual’s fruit and vegetable intake the lower the chance of his or her having low mental well-being.”

Dr. Stranges further explained, “Along with smoking, fruit and vegetable consumption was the health-related behavior most consistently associated with both low and high mental well-being. These novel findings suggest that fruit and vegetable intake may play a potential role as a driver, not just of physical, but also of mental well-being in the general population.”

According to Sarah Stewart-Brown, Ph.D., a co-author, “Mental illness is hugely costly to both the individual and society, and mental wellbeing underpins many physical diseases, unhealthy lifestyles and social inequalities in health. It has become very important that we begin to research the factors that enable people to maintain a sense of well-being.”

Although these studies do not suggest a direct link between good food and staying happy, the data indicates that good food definitely has a positive impact on the mental health of an individual. Therefore, it is important to educate people about including greens in their daily diet to improve the overall physical and mental well-being. With the latest trend of eating junk food and unhealthy diet, people are exposing themselves to poor physical and mental conditions.

If you or your loved one is diagnosed with a mental health problem, eating well can help to manage your symptoms and regain control of your life. Seeking professional help to identify ways to keep your body and mind healthy is advisable. Sovereign Mental Health Services prides itself on using cutting-edge, evidence-based techniques to treat a wide assortment of mental illnesses such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders. For more information, please contact 866-954-0529.

Sovereign Health Group is a residential rehabilitation treatment provider that has programs and services devoted to mental health conditions. To learn more about our continuum of care, speak with one of our expert treatment consultants and begin the journey to recovery today!